
The Albemarle Sound floods the Nags Head-Manteo Causeway shortly after Hurricane Irene barreled through the Outer Banks in Nags Head, North Carolina, USA, on 27 August 2011. Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center rate Irene a category 1 storm with winds in excess of 85 mph (137 kph). EPA/JIM LO SCALZO

The Albemarle Sound floods Millers Restaurant shortly after Hurricane Irene barreled through the Outer Banks in Nags Head, North Carolina on 27 August 2011. Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center rate Irene a category 1 storm with winds in excess of 85 mph (137 kph). EPA/JIM LO SCALZO

The Albemarle Sound floods the Nags Head-Manteo Causeway shortly after Hurricane Irene barreled through the Outer Banks in Nags Head, North Carolina, USA, on 27 August 2011. Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center rate Irene a category 1 storm with winds in excess of 85 mph (137 kph). EPA/JIM LO SCALZO

The Albemarle Sound floods vehicles outside a Dairy Queen shortly after Hurricane Irene barreled through the Outer Banks in Nags Head, North Carolina, USA, on 27 August 2011. Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center rate Irene a category 1 storm with winds in excess of 85 mph (137 kph). EPA/JIM LO SCALZO

Contractor Denis Hromin, who recently did construction work on Avalon Pier, inspects the structure during the onslaught of Hurricane Irene in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, USA, 27 August 2011. Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center rate Irene a category 1 storm with winds in excess of 85 mph (137 kph). EPA/JIM LO SCALZO

Contractor Denis Hromin, who recently did construction work on Avalon Pier, inspects the structure during the onslaught of Hurricane Irene in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, USA, 27 August 2011. Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center rate Irene a category 1 storm with winds in excess of 85 mph (137 kph). EPA/JIM LO SCALZO